Rural America, which supported Trump in the election, could be left out of water and road building investment as states and the president leverage private investment. Trump's plan offers little detail on federal spending and timing. Adding to the uncertainty, a presidential adviser has indicated that states should help themselves.

States, unions, campaign advisers and consultants flood the White House with proposals. The president’s pledge to cut regulations and his condition for funding – “If you have a job that you can’t start within 90 days ... it doesn’t help us” – risks leaving critical construction and repair behind.